MOBILE, Ala. - With the third of seven games approaching this weekend, University of South Alabama head coach Joey Jones, along with linebacker Charlie Higgenbotham and running back Anthony Mostella spoke with the media Monday afternoon at the USA football fieldhouse.
In addition to discussing Saturday's game against Georgia Military J.C., Jones spoke about the progress of the Jaguar offense and playing at an earlier time in the day.
Highlights from Monday's press conference follow below:
Head coach Joey Jones
Opening Statement:
"First of all, just to give you a brief history, Georgia Military in the last 10 years has been to the national championship game three times and have won it once and been runners up twice. I know they signed 18 Division I players last year. As a matter of fact, we looked at their tape last year and offered a lot of their players. They are a very talented bunch. One thing they've got is a staff that has been there together for about eight years, that has a lot to do with their continuity. You look at them year-to-year and they are consistently good and do a good job with their program, so they will be a great challenge for us."
On what problems Georgia Military's offense might pose:
"Number one, they run multiple formations. They have a very athletic quarterback that can throw the ball and run it as well. (Georgia Military) probably has the fastest running back (Tobias Palmer) that we've seen on film this year. He's a very good player. They have a lot of weapons and guys that can score on you quickly. That always worries you as a coach."
On what advantages Georgia Military has over a team like Hargrave:
"The advantage that (Georgia Military) has is that they have these kids for two years. During that second year, there is a big change from your freshman year to your sophomore year. They have players that are older and who have been in big games. They can teach the younger players what it is all about. That's like our team. I think we have some older guys that have been able to teach our younger players what it's all about, so we should be pretty similar to them. The two previous teams that we played have been all freshman. They both have been very talented, but didn't have the older guys to try and show them how to do things."
On earlier start time for the game:
"I think that it is going to work out real good for us. I like the idea of getting up and eating your pregame meal at 7:30 a.m. You don't have to sit around all day and worry about the game. I have always liked early games, both as a player and as a coach."
On the speed of the offense and the progression of it to this point in the season:
"I think my coaching staff and the players have done a tremendous job of getting the plays quickly. It seems like every time that I look up on the play clock, we are running the play with about 25 seconds left most of the time. Coach (Greg) Gregory has done a great job with organizing that. I think it also puts pressure on the defense. You can always back off and check plays and we do that, but I think the threat of running a play quickly makes a defense get somewhat simplistic, because they don't have time to get their calls in."
Junior linebacker Charlie Higgenbotham
On Georgia Military J.C. and expectations for Saturday:
"We know they are a very good team. They've signed a lot of guys to Division I schools, so we know they have very good athletes. They are well-coached from an offensive perspective. They have a lot of sets they can run out of, so you never know what you're going to get. You really have to prepare hard. We both had off weeks last week, so we have both had extra time to prepare. I think it's going to be an interesting game, and it will be a challenge for us."
On handling the two-week lay-off:
"It's difficult, because you don't have a game to look forward to while you're still practicing. But our coaching staff does a good job of keeping us motivated. I think our team is learning how to practice with intensity, and we're just working as hard as possible to get ready for the next game. We try to take advantage of that extra time we get so we can play better the next game. I think it works to our advantage, but at the same time, it's a tough deal."
On the game day experience this season:
"It's been great. We have had amazing support, and it's just great to get out there and play football."
Junior running back Anthony Mostella
On Georgia Military J.C. and expectations for Saturday:
"I think they are well-coached defensively. They run hard to the ball and are pretty physical, so I think it's going to be a good game this weekend."
On the challenge of facing GMJC:
"I think it's going to be a tougher challenge for us, because they're well-coached and have some great athletes. I think as long as we focus on what we do and execute that, then we'll be successful this weekend."
On the game day experience this season:
"It's a great atmosphere when you come out and see all of those fans there. I'm glad our students and the City of Mobile are behind our football team."
For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).
-USA-
